Search

Focuses on the battle against compact discs piracy in Australia. Efforts of Michael Speck on prosecuting pirates; Search for an anti-piracy technology; Use of a digital watermarks for stopping copying.

The article offers news briefs related to the wine industry in Australia. Mount Pleasant chief winemaker Phil Ryan recently hosted a tasting to launch the 2004 Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shea Shiraz, a wine. The 25th edition of "The Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Directory" comes with a CD version of the guide. Hunter Valley wine company Wyndham Estate is hitting the highway in the world's first mobile cellar door.

The article discusses the competitive market of Australia which has made them one of the most dynamic jurisdiction in the Asia-Pacific region. The Intellectual Property (IP) office of the country has organized a symposium concerning the future of IP in the region and has extended its sharing program with the United States in which Australia processes international patent applications. The government has carried out an amendment that allows the copying of music from compact discs to MP3 players.

Discusses the factors that changed the way Australian record companies operate. Sanctioning of parallel importing; Prevalence of pirated compact discs (CD); Effects of the imposition of sales and the introduction of parallel importing; Measures adopted by record companies to make Australian-made CD more attractive.

Presents information on Sony Music Entertainment and its chairman, Denis Handlin. Sony Australia's business; The decision of the Australian government to allow music stores to import compact discs directly; The impact it has had on the industry; Example of the sales of American recording artists Offspring; Comments from Handlin; Funds spend on marketing and artist and product development. INSET: Handlin Finds the Pause Button.

The article presents news briefs relevant to the construction industry in Australia and New Zealand compiled as of August 2006. The New Zealand Convention will be held from August 7 to 8, 2006 in Christchurch, New Zealand. ABL have produced a compact disc entitled "HR Basics," that provides all the necessary documents for human resource function with easy-to-follow instructions.

Highlights the annual Australian Record Industry Association Awards in 2003. Percentage of rise in CD sales during the first half of the same year; Reason for the strong sales; Artists who continue to chart abroad; Revenue generated by the DVD market in 2002; Initiatives taken by music recording companies to fight poor sales in the market.

The article explains how businesses which extend credit can use a new Australian Government Web service to validate ABNs. Until recently, organizations wishing to validate ABNs for credit checks and the like had to look them up individually online, or buy a database of numbers on CD for $220 each. Thankfully, the Australian Business Register (www.abr.business.gov.au) has developed two methods of performing bulk ABN searches: an Excel spreadsheet-based tool, and an XML-based Web service. They are both free to use and the XML-based Web service can be integrated into any application. Using the Excel spreadsheet tool requires an active Internet connection and Excel 2000 or above. The latest version of the ABN Lookup tool can be found on this month's cover DVD.

Reports that Australian consumers can look forward to a Christmas marketing competition over the sale of compact discs (CD) online. Information on the marketing expansion of OzEmail's online CD sales operation, CMM; Marketing strategy of CDnow, a United States online CD store; Concerns regarding collection of taxes such as the goods and services tax (GST) for online CD sales.

The article reports on the creation and launching of three professional marketing template compact discs (CDs) by Mentor Management to deliver convenient salon marketing tools in Australia. The three designs marketing templates include Marketing Starter Kit, Yearly Marketing Events Kit and Christmas Prep Pack. Sharyn Raite, Mentor Management director assures that the said CDs are affordable and convenient to use.

The article offers information on Researching Together: Engaging Minds, a compact disc-based instruction, produced by the State of Victoria Department of Education and Training, Bendigo Senior Secondary College Library and the School Library Association of Victoria in Australia. Its introduction recommends that first time users may refer to user guide and site map. It states that the material is a learning and teaching resource which guides teachers through theoretical knowledge and practical examples to support information literacy while promoting a knowledge sharing culture.

The author reflects on the increasing prices of compact discs (CD). It mentions that a late-release CD obtained from France or Ireland would cost a buyer of about $20 to $21 in Australian money with additional postage charge. According to the author, the cost of CD in Australia inclusive of postage charge is equal to those of U.S. import and lower than the CD from Great Britain.

The article presents news briefs related to the computer industry. Microsoft Corp. has declared that DRM software distributed by Sony BMG on some of its music CDs, is a rootkit that patches the Windows OS kernel and exposes the PC to serious security risks. After consumer uproar, Sony BMG withdrew the CDs and is now facing class action lawsuits in the U.S. Sony BMG Australia says the discs were not distributed in Australia. If one had used one of the affected CDs, Windows Anti-spyware will detect and delete the software. Microsoft's free Anti-spyware software has been renamed "Windows Defender" and will be incorporated into Windows Vista. Signature updates will now be installed automatically by Windows Update. Defender will also now detect and fix rootkits.

The author relates his experiences in visiting Australia. He comments on the status of compact disc market in the country. He expresses gratitude for the hospitality of archivist John Holmes. He also visited the Katoomba at the Blue Mountains in New South Wales.

Focuses on residential plans offered by My Net Fone voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service in Australia. Cost of calls to anywhere in Australia; List of items contained in the retail package, including a compact disc for the setup process; Offering of a Universal Serial Bus VoIP telephone handset by My Net Fone.

Features a magazine and an audio CD to be distributed by the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission to mark the 30th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act in 2005.

Presents a list of recommended television programs, movies, DVD and CD in Australia for the week commencing February 7, 2005. "Australian Idol: The Final 10"; "The Aviator"; "Medium."

Presents news briefs on forest conservation in the U.S. and Australia as of 2004. Availability of the enhanced music release "Spirit Woods: Traditional Stories and Songs of Forests and Trees" in compact disc format from the North Dakota Forests Service and Council on the Arts; Controversy in the Adironack Mountains, following the proposal of Nextel Partners to build a tower for its cellular telephone service in Lake George, New York; Injuries suffered by Australian Daniel Jones during his nonviolent protest against the destruction of trees for Woolworth's in Maleny, Queensland.

Provides information on member benefits from street teams, like Suburban Force, for teenagers in Australia. Discussion on the role of the group on promoting a band, movie or products; Details on freebies the group is giving away in return for the promotion, such as CD's and T-shirts.

The article presents information about how one can reach the destination safely and happily. It's all in the planning. Traveling with children needs careful thought. Pack water, snacks and car-friendly fun, such as coloring books and talking books on tape/compact disc. Many board games also come in travel versions. Qantas Airways Ltd.'s corporate communication advisor, Melissa Thomson, has some useful suggestions for people who travel by air. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare and to allow for unexpected delays. INSET: Keeping your crew in ship-shape condition.

The article recommends the best buys in products ranging from portable stereos to home theatre sound systems for those who want to live the hi-fi life on a budget in Australia. The latest CD versions of the classic 'ghetto blaster' deliver high-quality sound and good design on a budget. Consumer goods company Sony's compact shelf system CMTM90 DVD Micro Hi-Fi is capable of playing DVDs, CDs, radio and cassettes. Pioneer HTD5 Home Theatre System can play CD-Rs, CD-RWs and DVDs, but not MP3 formats, and costs $1399. INSET: SOUND CHECK.

The Biz-e Builder CD-ROM series has step-by-step instructions that lead you right through the design stage to practical building, advising you on materials needed and providing quotes on various expenses. With just a computer, a few tools, you can build a brand-new deck, pergola and fence. The software costs $29.95. DIY illuminated numbers are easy to install and are operated by light sensor, so you don't have to turn them on and off.

Discusses the launch of the Financial Education in Schools project of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) in Australia. Importance of educating teenagers about finance; Features of the financial literacy program of the organization; Information on the DOLLARSMART financial toolkit CD from FPA.

Offers a look on the price trend of compact disc (CD)-recordable drives in Australia. Variation in the prices of the product; Why the prices of rewritable CDs are higher; Features of recordable CDs.

Reports on advances in laser technology at the Optical Fiber Research Center in Sydney, Australia which makes possible the construction of compact discs with five hours of music or a full-length feature movie. Findings by the research team.

Reports the impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. on the plastics recycling industry in Australia. Development of a system for the recycling of compact discs; Assessment on the media destruction technology of Saint Marys; Advantages of the recycling techniques of St. Marys.

Reports that the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) showed a 5.5 percent increase in sales in the second half of 2000. Expectations by consumers that the cost of compact discs would decrease as a result; Influences on the increased sales, in particular the Summer Olympic Games held in Sydney; Expectations for the Australian music sales industry.

Examines statistics for Australia's retail music trade during the first half of 2000. Details of sales and shipping figures published by the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA); Decreases in compact disc (CD) sales since 1999; Impact of the introduction of Australia's goods and services tax on CD sales; Efforts of music retailers to increase traffic to their stores in light of increased competition from other retail sectors; Outlook for sales during the remainder of 2000.

Reports on the imposition of a new broad-based consumption goods and services tax (GST) in Australia as of July 2000. Impact of the tax on the Australian music industry; Speculation that the tax will depress retail spending; Consumer dissatisfaction regarding high compact disc (CD) prices; Confusion surrounding the new tax rules; Effect of the tax on prices for concert tickets, transportation, and other services.

Reports on the Australian government's proposal to remove restrictions on parallel imports of compact discs (CDs) and the possible impact to the software industry. Restrictions allowing foreign software companies to price discriminate; Comments from Allan Fels of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC); Lobbying by Peter Upton of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) against the proposal. INSET: The import arguments.

Reports on the Australian government's plan to lift import restrictions on compact discs and the reaction of the industry. Argument that consumers will gain from lower prices; Lobbying by the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA); Government and the industry accusing each other of misleading information; Government's frustration over ARIA promising lower compact disc prices in the previous election.

Reports that in March 1998 the Australian government is to start a publicity campaign to counteract the claims of the music industry about the repercussions of relaxing parallel-import restrictions on compact discs. The industry's stance and forecasts for damages; Highlights of the campaign document done by the Department of Arts & Communications; Targets of the campaign; The history of the issue of parallel-import restrictions.

Reports on a dispute between the Australian record industry and former Prices Surveillance Authority (PSA) chairman Alan Fels over Fels' new media-driven campaign to relax parallel import regulations in order to bring down local compact disc prices. Australian Record Industry Association's successful 1995 lobbying efforts on the issue; Statements made by Fels regarding the rejection of the PSA's 1995 recommendations.

The article describes the 2008 annual Australian Entertainment & Media Outlook report released by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, which predicted five lean years for the Australian recorded-music market. The consulting firm expects the market to shrink at a compounded annual rate of 1.5% through 2012, saying that the decline in compact disc sales will not be balanced by a rise in sales of downloaded music.

The article offers information on the music trade in Australia. The trade value of the Australian recorded-music market rose to $224 million Australian in the six months through June 2006, up 5.8 percent, compared with the corresponding period in 2005. According to the Australian Recording Industry Association, digital sales leapt 394.98 percent to 9.4 million tracks, with a trade value of $12.2 million Australian. CD album shipments rose 17.04 pecent during the first half to 20.4 million units.

The article reports that Australian digital media company Destra has acquired budget audio and video distributor Payless Entertainment. Sydney-based Payless is expecting to license and distribute around 5 million CD and DVD this year through 400 retail outlets, including department and music retail chains and independent discount variety stores.

Reports on the growth of sales of counterfeit digital video discs and compact discs in Australia. Growth of the number of pirate DVDs seized; Increase of Piracy Down Under; Implementation of Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft.

Discusses the challenges faced by the music industry in Australia. Problem on the online distribution of compact discs; Demand of music fans for a choice to compile music collections in a creative way; Need for the business to promote paid digital downloading of music.

Reports that the Australian recording industry registered a volume rise in shipments during 2001. Comparison of shipments those of 2000; Reasons for this increase, including the low exchange rate of the Australian dollar; Impact of reduced profits from lower CD prices on promotion of local artists.

Reports on the purchase of counterfeit compact discs manufactured in Southeast Asis by Sanity, the biggest recorded music retailer in Australia.

Focuses on the debate about compact disc (CD) prices in Australia. Shock Records' price cut; Competitiveness of music retailing; Discounting of new-release CDs; Offering of an ever-growing range of mid-priced albums.

Recommends music recordings available in compact disc (CD) sets. Includes Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' `Playback: 1973-1993'; `The Seekers Complete'; The Band's `Across the Great Divide.'